Games

Don't like Aerosmith? What band-specific Guitar Hero would you like to see? Guitar Hero: Aerosmith, launching 29 June, isn't just a collection of songs grouped together by artist for a stand-alone rhythm game. It's sort of like Behind the Music in interactive form, letting players vicariously relive Aerosmith's 30 year performance history in near-chronological order, from high school to international stardom. So based on mega-platinum sales on multiple occasions (read: broad appeal), a storied history, and anthemic riffs, here are the top five bands we'd like to see in their own Guitar Hero games.

So you've downloaded the Spore Creature Creator. Good for you. If you haven't, it's time to get in on the fun. Here are a few tips on how to start playing a wacko Mother Nature, followed by some examples of just wild how your imagination can run.

Replay Studios' Velvet Assassin puts you in the boots of M16 agent Violette Summer, who is based on the historic Violette Szabo, to blow high Nazi officers' heads off in Poland, Germany and France. The game will be released on the Xbox 360 and PC this year.

Based on the bestselling novels, explore Baypoint to help the Hardy Boys -- Frank and Joe -- find clues to unveil who robbed Spencer Mansion in the interactive criminal investigation of The Hidden Theft. Coming for the PC in October from Dreamcatcher.

In wake of the much anticipated Clone Wars animated movie and TV show, Activision has unveiled its latest videogame, Star Wars -- The Clone Wars: Lightsaber Duels. Exclusive to Nintendo's Wii, the newest Star Wars game recreates battles from the Clone Wars storyline. Players take on the role of a Jedi Knight and will be able to fight with a lightsaber, utilise Force powers, and exploit their surroundings to defeat enemies, all while using the Wii's motion-sensitive controller. It'll hit the streets later this year.

There's nothing that draws the ire of hardcore gamers more than sports games. The same slate of games, year in, year out offering little but roster updates and a realistic experience of running around with a ball or a stick. Thankfully, a few oddball developers have created some pretty unique sports games that think out of the (batters) box.

Coming exclusively to the Xbox 360, Halo Wars is the latest game in Microsoft Game Studios' premier gaming series. It's being developed by Ensemble Studios, the same company that created the ground-breaking and massively popular Age of Empires series. The real-time strategy game will feature human and Covenant forces, and is set 20 years before the original Halo game. There's no release date set yet, but expect it to be just as popular as Halo 3, which sold $300 million worth of copies in its first calendar week. Check out the slideshow for a heap of pictures of units and gameplay!

Lionhead Studios is expanding the universe it crafted four years ago with the imminent release of Fable II. Set 500 years after the hero avenged his mother and sister, players must again re-enter the world of Albion. The world of Fable II will be much larger than the original, offering players a dynamic experience, complete with realistic physics. As with the original, the players' actions will affect their mood, their appearance and those around them, allowing players to choose whether they are good or evil. The game is expected in Spring this year on the Xbox 360.

In recent years, toy robots have become popular playthings for kids and kids-at-heart alike. Thanks to recent developments in robotics and computer technology, they are almost like having a living, breathing pet (albeit it a slightly deranged one). WowWee is one of the leading manufacturers of robot-centric toys, with something to suit all tastes and ages. Its new generation of mechanical companions includes innovative creations that walk, talk, crawl, fly and, err, purr. For an inside look at some of the latest models off the robot assembly line, check out the following slideshow.

Ascaron Entertainment is set to unleash the follow-up to their 2004 hit RPG Sacred with Sacred 2: Fallen Angel. The latest instalment in the series sees players assume the role of one of six characters as a Seraphim, Shadow Warrior or High Elf. Players must take their place in the battle over the coveted T-Energy in order to prevent the power of the Seraphim from ending up in the wrong hands. Players fight on foot and while mounted, collect unique items and face intelligent enemies that adapt to players' skill levels. The game will also feature a multiplayer co-op mode, as well as five distinct multiplayer modes on the Internet and Xbox Live. The game is expected this year on the Xbox 360 and PC.

While Kojima and Co. may have invented (and possibly perfected) the stealth gameplay method with Metal Gear Solid, that hasn't stopped many a company from shoehorning stupid stealth elements into already terrible titles. Here are eight games that shouldn't have had stealth.

Xbox 360 owners haven't exactly been spoiled for choice when it comes to role-playing games. With the possible (and slightly dubious) exception of Lost Odyssey, there hasn't been a decent Xbox RPG since the release of Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion over two years ago. Thankfully, this is all set to change with the release of Infinite Discovery and The Last Remnant: two new epic RPGs from Square Enix. Both games promise to deliver stunning next-gen visuals, engrossing storylines and complex, real-time battle systems. Check out the following slideshow for all the latest screenshots from both games.

Saints Row 2 is a sequel to the popular action-adventure game Saints Row. It has the same open-ended gameplay, and follows on from the story started in the previous title. Set in the mean streets of Stilwater, players will use new vehicles and new weapons to take on improved AI and take revenge on the city that betrayed them. The game is hitting the streets on October 14, and will be available for PC, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.

The screen was particularly good. It is bright and visible from most angles, however heat is an issue, particularly around the Windows button on the front, and on the back where the battery housing is located.

My first impression after unboxing the Q702 is that it is a nice looking unit. Styling is somewhat minimalist but very effective. The tablet part, once detached, has a nice weight, and no buttons or switches are located in awkward or intrusive positions.

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